Two cones base-to-base signal a fishing vessel under COLREGs rules.

On the water, signals obscure by action or color can save lives. Imagine a morning drift along a busy coast. A fishing vessel appears in the distance—a familiar sight, but its signal is a little more than a decorative mark. Instead, it’s a clear message crafted by rules from the COLREGs, designed to keep everyone safe when maneuverability is limited by gear. The signal? Two cones arranged base to base. That, and nothing else, tells other mariners, “I’m fishing and I may not be able to zigzag out of harm’s way.”

What the two cones base to base actually means

In the world of navigation rules, day shapes are a practical language. They’re painted or displayed to tell nearby vessels what’s going on, even if you can’t see the gear itself. A vessel engaged in fishing, especially when the gear restricts its ability to maneuver, must show two cones positioned base to base. It’s a simple, recognizable symbol that cuts through language barriers and foggy weather of the marina.

So why this shape, and why two of them?

Here’s the thing: gear such as nets, longlines, or other large rigging can slow a fishing vessel’s ability to steer quickly or alter course as a result of entanglement risk or gear management. The two-cone symbol is designed to be highly visible in daylight and easy to distinguish from other day shapes. It communicates to nearby boats that the fishing vessel might not take evasive action as readily as a vessel that’s free to maneuver. In a crowded waterway, that heads-up matters—a lot.

How this fits into the bigger picture of COLREGs signals

COLREGs provide a whole system of signals to promote safe navigation. Day shapes are the daytime counterpart to lights used at night. While lights tell you whether a vessel is under way, at anchor, not under command, or restricted in its ability to maneuver, day shapes give you a quick, at-a-glance status during daylight. The two cones base to base sits in that family of signals, specifically for fishing vessels with gear that affects steering.

If you’re curious about the other options in a multiple-choice style signal quiz, here’s the quick take (without getting lost in the weeds): the correct choice for a vessel engaged in fishing is two cones base to base. The other listed shapes do not represent fishing activities under COLREGs. That clarity helps pilots, captains, and crews keep their minds on the water, not on decoding tangled signals.

How to interpret and respond when you spot this signal

spotting a two-cone base-to-base day shape should nudge your actions, not your impulse. It’s about risk awareness and plan B.

• Give extra room. A fishing vessel may not be able to maneuver as quickly as you’d expect. Increase your clearance to avoid entangling lines or gear.

• Slow down and stay predictable. Reducing speed and keeping a steady course is a smart move. Quick changes can be hazardous when gear is extended.

• Pass with caution. If you’re overtaking or crossing, do so well clear of the vessel’s path. Consider passing well to the side that gives you the most space to maneuver.

• Use radio if needed. If you’re unsure about intentions or distances, VHF radio on channel 16 (and then switch to a working channel) is a practical way to confirm you’ve got safe margins.

• Keep in mind the day, not just the shape. Day shapes rely on good visibility. In fog, rain, or heavy glare, the cone signal can be harder to notice. Slow down and use other cues—speed, bearing, and prior experience of the area.

A quick, friendly comparison to help you memorize

If you’re studying these signals casually, a simple mental snapshot helps:

• Two cones base to base = fishing vessel with gear that may limit maneuverability.

• Other shapes (like three in a vertical line, a single cylinder, or an upward-pointing triangle) aren’t the fishing signal. They indicate something else per COLREGs, so don’t mix them up when you see shapes in the wild.

Two cones base to base isn’t just trivia; it’s about practical seamanship

Navigation rules aren’t abstract lore; they’re living guidelines that keep sailors safer. The day shape for a fishing vessel isn’t a decorative flourish. It’s a tool that communicates a limitation you’ll notice in real life. Think of it as a flag raised in the wind, a quick “heads up” that helps you plan your course and speed a little more thoughtfully.

A few tangential notes that fit naturally here

• Gear types matter. Nets, trawls, longlines, and other equipment can extend far from the hull. The broader the gear, the more careful both the fishing vessel and nearby traffic must be about separation distances. The day shape helps everyone gauge risk at a glance.

• Night signals still matter. Day shapes are for daylight hours, but the same vessel will often display lights at night that convey different information. If you’re navigating at dusk or after dark, keep your eyes on lights and on any additional signals along with your daytime cues.

• Practice makes confident reactions. Reading the water is part science, part experience. The more you see and interpret signals like the two cones base to base, the more naturally you’ll react, choosing safer routes and smoothing out traffic around busy fishing grounds.

• Real-world reminders. In busy coastal zones, you’ll encounter all kinds of signals—vessels at anchor, not under command, constrained by draft, and more. The skill isn’t just recognizing one shape; it’s integrating multiple cues into a safe, steady plan.

A practical, repeatable takeaway for mariners and learners

• When you see two cones base to base, slow, give room, and plan a wide berth.

• Don’t assume a fishing vessel will move the way you expect. Gear can limit options.

• Keep communications open: use VHF if there’s any doubt about safe passage.

• Remember that day shapes are a daytime tool, supplementing the more familiar navigation lights you’d rely on night or in low visibility.

A relatable analogy to seal the idea

Think of day shapes like road signs on a sunny day. They’re not the only instructions you follow, but they’re a quick, universal cue that helps you decide whether you should proceed, yield, or adjust your speed. Two cones base to base is like a “caution: fishing gear ahead” sign that travels with the vessel, not just a single momentary signal.

Wrapping up with clarity and calm

The two cones base to base signaling fishing activity is a clear, practical rule from COLREGs designed to keep everyone safe as boats move through shared waters. It’s a small symbol with a big job: alert others to potential maneuvering restrictions, encourage careful planning, and reduce the chance of a collision or entanglement.

If you’re ever unsure about what you’re seeing, remember the core idea: day shapes are about visibility and intent in daylight. The base-to-base pair of cones isn’t just a pattern to memorize; it’s a live cue that prompts you to slow down, give space, and stay aware of gear in the water.

And as you continue exploring the COLREGs, you’ll notice a common thread: effective navigation blends simple signals with good judgment, a steady hand on the wheel, and a mindful eye for the people, gear, and currents around you. It’s a collaborative, ongoing practice of keeping passages safe and predictable for everyone who shares the water.